Ectopic Pregnancy- Symptoms and Diagnosis

The onset of pregnancy is a joyful time for any woman looking forward to motherhood. But at times there may be an abnormality and the fertilized ovum starts developing in other areas instead of the uterine wall. Such pregnancies are termed as ‘Ectopic Pregnancies’ and can occur in the fallopian tube as well as the cervix, ovary or the abdomen. This type of pregnancy is a medical emergency because it can cause extensive tissue damage and bleeding within the organ of its implantation. Lack of proper treatment can cause death.

Symptoms- Ectopic pregnancy becomes all the more dangerous because there are hardly any symptoms during the early stage.

After about 7-8 weeks a slight pain and discomfort may be felt. This is ignored by most women or is confused with stomach infections. The abdomen may also feel tender and distended. Pain may be associated with both urinary and bowel movement. External bleeding may occur, which can again be mistakenly diagnosed as normal  early pregnancy symptom.

Later on in the pregnancy, the pain may be intensified as there is both external and internal bleeding.  Internal bleeding may cause pelvic, abdominal or back pain. There may be shoulder pain if the diaphragm is irritated by the blood within the abdominal cavity. The symptoms are often similar to gastro intestinal problems and other gynecological problems making diagnosis difficult.

Diagnosis- In absence of any concrete symptoms, ectopic pregnancy is considered if a woman with positive prefnancy test complains of abdominal pain and external bleeding. An ultrasound test can provide the gynecologist with clear evidence specially if the fetal heart beat is located within the fallopian tube. There is also an abnormal increase of blood pressure during ectopic pregnancy. A laparoscopy can confirm the condition specially if there is rupture of the tube.

Complications- The most common complication is rupture of the allopian tube leading to loss of blood and shock resulting in death of the patient. About 10%-15% of the patients become infertile after an ectopic pregnancy.